Ukhimath
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand, India • 30.50°N, 79.07°E
📖 About Ukhimath
- ✦At 1,555m (5,101 ft), winter temperatures drop to -12.5°C (9.5°F) in January
- ✦Houses Kedarnath and Madhyamaheshwar deities from November to April during Himalayan winter closure
- ✦Jolly Grant Airport 141 km away, then 5-6 hour mountain drive via Srinagar
- ✦Limited ATMs and patchy mobile connectivity - carry cash and download offline maps
This temple town at 1,555m serves as the winter home for the Kedarnath deity from November through April, when the main shrine at 3,583m remains snow-locked. Ukhimath sits 41 km from Rudraprayag on the road to Chopta, and the two ancient temples here - Omkareshwar and Usha - draw pilgrims year-round. May temperatures reach 20.7°C (69.3°F), but January nights plummet to -12.5°C (9.5°F). The town has one main bazaar street, half a dozen dharamshalas, and three basic restaurants.
The Omkareshwar Temple, where Lord Kedarnath's idol winters, dates back over 1,200 years according to Archaeological Survey records. Across the street, Usha Temple holds the Madhyamaheshwar deity during the same period. Both temples open at 06:00 and close by 20:00. The town name comes from Usha, daughter of demon king Banasura, who according to legend meditated here. Local priests perform elaborate aarti ceremonies twice daily during the winter deity residence period from November to April.
Pilgrims and trekkers heading to Tungnath or Deoria Tal stop here for accommodation. The town has two petrol pumps, one State Bank ATM that often runs dry on weekends, and no reliable mobile internet except BSNL. Road conditions deteriorate after heavy monsoon rains - July receives 223mm and August 183mm.
🎯 Things to Do in Ukhimath
The main temple in town bazaar houses the Kedarnath deity from November through April when the higher shrine closes. Morning aarti starts at 06:00 and evening aarti at 19:00, both lasting 30 minutes, with no entry fee. The temple gets crowded on weekends during winter months when pilgrims from across Uttarakhand arrive for darshan.
The trail to this high-altitude lake begins 12 km away at Sari village, reachable by local jeep in 30 minutes for Rs 50-80 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The 2.5 km uphill trek takes 1-2 hours and reaches the lake at 2,438m where Chaukhamba peaks reflect in clear water. Carry water and snacks as nothing sells at the lake, and start early to avoid afternoon clouds.
Chopta, the base for Tungnath Temple trek, lies 30 km ahead on a road that climbs from 1,555m to 2,680m. Shared jeeps charge Rs 80-100 per person from Ukhimath bazaar (confirm locally — rates vary by season) and take 1.5 hours over rough patches after monsoon. The road stays open April through November but closes under snow December through March except for occasional 4WD convoys.
This smaller temple 100 metres from Omkareshwar holds the Madhyamaheshwar deity during winter months and opens 06:00-20:00 with free entry. A 2 km walk uphill from here leads to Anusuya Devi Temple, taking 40 minutes through pine forest with valley views. The walk works well for acclimatisation before heading to higher treks.
Ransi village, 17 km from Ukhimath, serves as the starting point for this 24 km trek to Madmaheshwar Temple at 3,289m. Local jeeps reach Ransi in 45 minutes over a narrow road for Rs 70-100 per person (confirm locally — rates vary by season). The trek requires at least 2 days with a night at Gaundhar campsite, and most trekkers hire guides from Ukhimath for Rs 1,500-2,000 per day (confirm locally — rates vary by season).
📅 Best Time to Visit
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain (mm) | Humid % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 🌤️ | -12.5 | 9.9 | 37 | 52% |
| Feb | 🌤️ | -12.2 | 11.5 | 42 | 56% |
| Mar | 🌤️ | -9.6 | 15.2 | 50 | 60% |
| Apr | 🌤️ | -3.3 | 17.9 | 42 | 55% |
| May | 🌤️ | 1.2 | 20.7 | 68 | 59% |
| Jun | 🌦️ | 4.6 | 22.1 | 90 | 68% |
| Jul | 🌧️ | 8.8 | 21.0 | 223 | 87% |
| Aug | 🌦️ | 9.0 | 19.2 | 183 | 90% |
| Sep | 🌦️ | 5.8 | 18.9 | 108 | 82% |
| Oct | 🌤️ | -0.8 | 17.0 | 28 | 63% |
| Nov | 🧊 | -5.4 | 14.1 | 6 | 47% |
| Dec | 🧊 | -10.3 | 12.4 | 12 | 40% |
📡 Data Source: NASA POWER
Climate figures are 11-year averages from NASA POWER satellite data. Values represent conditions for the broader Rudraprayag region, not exclusively Ukhimath. Actual conditions at this specific location may vary due to local elevation and terrain. Always check a local forecast before travel.
🚗 How to Reach Ukhimath
💡 Visitor Tips
Pack for temperature swings - April days reach 17.9°C (64.2°F) but nights drop to -3.3°C (26.1°F), so carry layered thermals, a down jacket, and gloves even in spring. January requires heavy woolens as temperatures touch -12.5°C (9.5°F).
Book dharamshalas or hotels 3-4 days ahead during Diwali and winter weekends when Kedarnath pilgrims fill the town. The temple committee dharamshala near Omkareshwar fills fastest.
The road from Rudraprayag narrows at several points with blind turns, making small cars safer than large SUVs. Avoid driving after dark as the route has no streetlights and local drivers take corners fast.
The State Bank ATM near main chowk often runs empty on Saturdays, and UPI works only on BSNL network which has patchy 3G. Carry at least Rs 5,000 cash from Rishikesh or Rudraprayag, and most shops accept only cash.
Dharamshalas cluster around both temples with basic rooms from Rs 300-600 and guesthouses on the main road charge Rs 800-1,500 for doubles (confirm locally — rates vary by season). Hotel Mandakini and Kedar Valley Resort offer mid-range options at Rs 2,000-3,500.
📍 More Places in Rudraprayag
🗺️ Nearby Places
Tourist destinations within ~50km of Ukhimath
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 About This Page
This travel guide for Ukhimath covers key information for visitors including best time to visit, how to reach, things to do, and practical tips. Ukhimath is located in Rudraprayag district, Uttarakhand, India at an elevation of 1555 metres above sea level. Climate data on this page is sourced from NASA POWER and represents 11-year regional averages.